The Untold Power Behind Engaging Workshops

Chances are you have attended one too many virtual workshops over the course of the pandemic. Chances are you, you are all too familiar with the discomfort, or sometimes, the lack of excitement you might have felt being on the receiving end of some of these workshops; or the engagement and interaction if you are on the driving end of some of them.

Truth is, successful and impactful virtual workshops require a double dose of intention and creativity during preparation, even more than you might invest in in-person workshops.

As of late, we have been running many of these virtual workshops ranging from 6 to over 1000 participants and the dynamics change by the sheer size of the event. Fairly recently, we have also been involved in hybrid setups where there is a group participating in person and half the group participating individually remotely across the globe. What have we learned from these events, please use this advice at your own risk.

• Key to running any workshop or event, is to have a really good and aligned understanding of the objective and purpose of the event, in the eyes of your client.
• Know the logistics upfront: How many participants, where, which timezone, hybrid/in-person/fully remote, what facilities can the client offer for the workshop (including equipment and physical meeting rooms especially for hybrid and in-person events). Point here — try to have a good understanding of all the inputs at your disposal.
• A good workshop requires more time to prepare and co-create. Having a rhythm of check-ins could significantly improve the flow, design and familiarity to unleash the unspoken powers of teamplay!
• The power of timeboxing, sense-making and dancing in the moment is a workshop facilitator’s best friend. Learning how to hone these skills with practice!
• Ignite the senses through examples and storytelling. Bring outside-in inspiration, some videos or anything that will help people to think broader, go bolder in ideation.
• Flow is an essential part of any human interaction. As an example, making a simple shift by embracing the Law of Two Clicks in the virtual world to replace the freedom of movement (Law of Two Feet) in the physical world, can make a world of difference.

As more and more digital tools become available, a healthy appetite to experiment and energize the space with interaction is crucial. This is going to be an exciting space for continuous learning.

If you’re interested to learn more about virtual facilitation and designing the experience for creative workshops, unleashing the powers of self-management in teams, and more — please check out our webinars and courses at LIVEforward Institute or drop me a message at rhea.ongyiu@livesciences.com if you need more information.